Mounting device for a firearm

ABSTRACT

The disclosed subject matter relates to a device for mounting an attachment on the muzzle end of a firearm, which muzzle end has on its outer circumference at least two diametrically opposed recesses, comprising a sleeve which can be pushed onto the muzzle end and which has an opening normal to the axis, a mounting piece which can be connected to the attachment and which has a substantially tubular extension that can be introduced into an annular space between the muzzle end and the sleeve and can be screwed to the sleeve, and a locking element which is radially displaceable in the opening of the sleeve between a closed position, in which its two legs each engage in one of the recesses by way of an inwardly directed rib, and an open position, in which they are released from the recesses, wherein, in the closed position of the locking element, end portions of the legs engage beneath the extension introduced into the annular space.

The present invention relates to a device for mounting an attachment on the muzzle end of a firearm, which muzzle end has on its outer circumference at least two diametrically opposed recesses, in particular in the form of a circumferential groove.

It is known from the prior art to screw silencers, blank firing devices, compensators and other attachments, i.e. devices to be attached in the axial continuation of the barrel of a firearm, onto the muzzle end thereof by means of a thread that is specifically provided for this purpose. Any changeover of such attachments is therefore time consuming, since safe mounting is guaranteed only by way of a suitably long thread and by screwing on fully. Furthermore, the muzzle end of many firearms comprises a muzzle device, for example a flash suppressor, a muzzle brake, a compensator or the like, which, like the “A2” flash suppressors commonly used on rifles and standardized by NATO, has no thread for screwing on an attachment, so that an additional mounting device is required.

Known mounting devices for an attachment often have a large number of components, which makes mounting complicated and conflicts with simple and inexpensive production, particularly in the case of complex component geometries. Complicated mounting also increases the risk of incorrect execution and consequently an unsafe fit of the attachment during use of the firearm.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which enables quick and safe mounting of the attachment on the muzzle end of a firearm and which is easy and inexpensive to produce.

This object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned at the outset, comprising: a sleeve which can be pushed onto the muzzle end, thereby forming an annular space, and which has an opening normal to the axis, a mounting piece which can be or is connected to the attachment and which has a substantially tubular extension that can be introduced into the annular space between the muzzle end and the sleeve and can be screwed to the sleeve, and a substantially horseshoe-shaped locking element which is radially displaceable in the opening of the sleeve between a closed position, in which the two legs of the horseshoe each engage in one of the recesses by way of an inwardly directed rib, and an open position, in which they are released from the recesses, wherein, in the closed position of the locking element, end portions of the legs engage beneath the extension, at the end thereof, when the extension is introduced into the annular space.

Due to the special interaction of the three parts sleeve, mounting piece and locking element, the mounting of the device—and thus of the attachment—in the axial continuation of the barrel at the muzzle end of the firearm can be achieved particularly easily and quickly: First, the sleeve is pushed onto the muzzle end, then the locking element is displaced into its closed position, and finally the extension of the mounting piece is screwed to the sleeve, as a result of which the end portions of the legs of the locking element engage beneath said extension, at the end thereof, and the locking element is thus secured against being unintentionally displaced into its open position. The device is thus in its mounted position.

Mounting can thus be achieved in only a few hand movements, a removal or changeover of attachments is possible just as quickly. Despite the easy handling, the attachment is securely fitted on the muzzle end due to the combination of locking at two diametrically opposed recesses on the outer circumference of the muzzle end on the one hand and the securing of the lock by the screwed-on extension on the other hand.

The device is of very simple construction and consists of only a few parts. In addition, each of the three parts per se is of simple form. By way of example, the sleeve and/or the mounting piece can be largely produced as a turned part, which makes it possible for the device to be produced inexpensively.

In one advantageous embodiment, the extension is conically tapered and the side of the locking element facing towards it is of complementary shape. This results in a self-centering of the extension and/or in an additional radial force on the locking element in the direction of its closed position when the extension is screwed into the sleeve.

In an alternative embodiment, the end of the extension is graduated in a step-like manner and the side of the locking element facing towards it is of complementary shape so that, once the locking element engages beneath the screwed-on extension, only radial forces can act between the ends of the legs of the locking element and the extension. This has the advantage that a locking element subjected to force in the direction of its open position does not transmit any axial forces to the extension.

If the muzzle end has at least one lateral flattened portion adjoining the diametrically opposed recesses in the direction facing towards the firearm, as in the case of the “A2” flash suppressor for example, it is advantageous if each leg of the locking element is shaped to form an inwardly projecting web on the side of the rib facing away from the extension, said web serving to bear against the lateral flattened portion of the muzzle device. The web bearing against the flattened portion of the muzzle device prevents any rotation of the device around the muzzle end, which enables particularly safe use of the attachment. It should be noted that U-shaped insertion clips, which can be radially inserted into an attachment and brought to bear against such flattened portions of a flash suppressor in order to inhibit rotation, are known per se from the prior art.

It is advantageous when the sleeve has, at its end facing away from the mounting piece, at least one inner protrusion for supporting it against the outer circumference of the muzzle end. This helps to ensure a good fit of the device onto the muzzle end in the axial continuation of the barrel since the inner protrusion supports the sleeve against the muzzle end. In one particularly advantageous variant, said inner protrusion is to this end equipped with at least one resilient pressure piece as a compensating element, which enables an additional application of force.

In another advantageous embodiment, the extension has at least one inner protrusion for supporting it against the outer circumference of the muzzle device. In a manner similar to the inner protrusion of the sleeve, the inner protrusion of the extension helps to ensure a good fit of the device on the muzzle end. The aforementioned embodiments—jointly or each in isolation—counteract forces occurring in the radial direction, for example the force of gravity, and provide support so that the attachment is kept coaxial to the barrel bore axis.

Preferably, the mounting piece in the mounted position forms an axial stop for the muzzle end. Consequently, the muzzle end is clamped between the mounting piece and the locking element, thereby aiding an axial immobilization of the device and thus of the attachment relative to the muzzle end and the firearm.

It is furthermore advantageous when the locking element has at least one grip, which in the closed position of the locking element projects beyond the outer circumference of the sleeve. This enables easy displacement of the locking element and simplifies the mounting and removal of the device.

In one advantageous embodiment, the locking element in its open position butts with a shoulder against a stop of the sleeve. This limits the radial displacement of the locking element and prevents it from falling out of the sleeve. Consequently, the locking element is a captive part, which further increases the usability and safety of the device as a whole, even when the firearm is being used under arduous conditions.

It is particularly advantageous if the shoulder is formed by the end wall of a groove in the side of the locking element facing away from the mounting piece, and the stop is formed by the end of a screw that penetrates the inner protrusion of the sleeve in a manner parallel to the axis. This ensures easy assembly of the device and precise guidance of the locking element in the sleeve opening as far as the stop. The guidance is particularly reliable if each of the two legs of the locking element is equipped with a respective pin which is guided in the guide groove. This facilitates a largely parallel radial displacement of the two legs and prevents tilting of the locking element during the displacement. The pin is borne either directly in the inner protrusion of the sleeve or, for example, via the screw penetrating the latter, which in each case means that the device can be broken down easily in the event of maintenance.

In another advantageous embodiment, one of the two parts locking element and sleeve has at least one detent and the respective other part has a spring element that interacts therewith, by means of which the locking element can be temporarily latched in the open position relative to the sleeve. Such a latching function prevents any unintended displacement from the open position and thus enables safer and quicker handling of the device with or without the attachment.

To avoid or reduce any escape of hot powder gases at high pressure counter to the firing direction, it is advantageous if the extension has, in an axial portion, an inner circumferential depression which, in the mounted position, forms a cavity relative to the muzzle end. The powder gases emanating from the barrel at high pressure can thus expand in said cavity until the projectile has left the attachment. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the sleeve has at least one pressure relief opening, preferably at least two pressure relief openings distributed about its circumference. These openings discharge any remaining gas pressure in the radial direction and prevent or reduce the escape of hot powder gas in the direction of the shooter, for example through gaps between the muzzle end and the sleeve. The pressure relief openings are arranged for example between the end of the extension and the inner protrusion.

The invention will be explained in greater detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments, which are shown in the appended drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a device according to the invention with an attached silencer in a perspective view obliquely from behind;

FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 in an exploded view from the side;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show the device of FIG. 1 in the mounted position in a longitudinal section from the side (FIG. 3a ) and an alternative variant (FIG. 3b ) in an enlarged detail from FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 shows the device of FIG. 1 in a perspective longitudinal section obliquely from behind; and

FIGS. 5a to 5d show a locking element of the device of FIG. 1 respectively in an axial view from the front (FIG. 5a ) and from behind (FIG. 5c ) and in a perspective view obliquely from the front (FIG. 5b ) and obliquely from behind (FIG. 5d ).

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a device 1 for mounting an attachment (in the example of FIG. 1: a silencer) 2 on the muzzle end 3 of the barrel 4 of a firearm (not further shown).

The device 1 comprises a sleeve 5 which, in order to mount the attachment 2, is pushed onto the muzzle end 3 along an axis A (the “barrel bore axis” of the barrel 4 of the firearm), an annular space being formed between the muzzle end 3 and the sleeve 5.

The device 1 further comprises a substantially horseshoe-shaped locking element 6 (FIGS. 5a -5d ), which is then introduced into an opening 7 normal to the axis, provided for this purpose in the sleeve 5, and is displaced radially into its closed position (FIGS. 1, 3 a, 3 b). On both legs 8 (FIG. 5a ) of its horseshoe, the locking element 6 has inwardly directed ribs 9 which in the closed position engage in two diametrically opposed recesses 10 on the outer circumference of the muzzle end 3 and thereby prevent any axial displacement of the sleeve 5 on the muzzle end 3.

Finally, the device 1 comprises a mounting piece 11 with a substantially tubular extension 12. The extension 12 of the mounting piece 11 is then introduced into the annular space between the muzzle end 3 and the sleeve 5 and is screwed to the sleeve 5 (FIG. 3a ). To this end, an external thread 13 is provided on the extension 12 and a complementary internal thread 14 is provided in the sleeve 5. The external and internal threads 13, 14 are optionally self locking.

The device 1 is thus in its mounted position, in which the sleeve 5 is pushed onto the muzzle end 3, the locking element 6 is in its closed position, and the extension 12 is fully screwed to the sleeve 5. In the mounted position, end portions 15 of the legs 8 of the locking element 6 engage beneath an end 16 of the extension 12 (FIG. 1) so that the end 16 of the extension 12 fixes the locking element 6 in its closed position.

The mounting piece 11 is either permanently connected to the attachment 2 or can be connected thereto, for example by screwing, as will be explained in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 1. By means of the device 1, the attachment 2 is in this way mounted on the muzzle end 3 of the firearm in the axial continuation of the barrel 4.

To remove the device 1 from the muzzle end 3, first the screwing of the extension 12 to the sleeve 5 is loosened at least to such an extent that the end 16 of the extension 12 releases the end portions 15 of the legs 8 of the locking element 6. The locking element 6 can then be radially displaced into its open position, in which the ribs 9 are released from the recesses 10. The sleeve 5—and with it the device 1 as a whole and the attachment 2 possibly connected thereto—can then be pulled away from the muzzle end 3 in the direction of the axis A. FIG. 4 illustrates the partially assembled state of the device 1 thus achieved. Without being broken down any further, the device 1 in this partially assembled state can then be mounted on the same or a different muzzle end 3 by reversing the order of the described removal steps.

In the variant of FIG. 3a , the end 16 of the extension 12 is conically tapered in the direction of the locking element 6. Furthermore, the side of the locking element 6 facing towards the extension 12 is complementary thereto, that is to say the horseshoe of the locking element 6 is likewise conical on this side (FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b ).

In the alternative variant of FIG. 3b , the end 16 of the extension 12 is graduated in a step-like manner, that is to say it has a smaller external diameter than the rest of the extension 12. Once again, the side of the locking element 6 facing towards the extension 12 is complementary thereto, that is to say a step-like shoulder 17 is formed on the horseshoe thereof on said side.

It shall be understood that other shape combinations of the extension end 16 and the side of the locking element 6 facing towards it are possible if it is ensured that the end portions 15 of the horseshoe legs 8 of the locking element 6 engage beneath the end 16 of the extension 12 in the mounted position of the device 1. By way of example, a conical end 16 of the extension 12 can be combined with a step-like side of the locking element 6, and vice versa, or the end 16 of the extension 12 projects in a tubular manner with no variation.

The muzzle end 3 is either the end of the barrel 4 of the firearm on the muzzle side or a flash suppressor or compensator fixed thereto, a muzzle brake fixed thereto, or the like. Depending on the muzzle end 3, the two diametrically opposed recesses 10 may be configured for example as a circumferential groove; optionally, the ribs 9 of the locking element 6 are complementary thereto, for example in that the ribs 9 form a closed rib arc (FIG. 5b ) that engages in the groove.

In the example of FIG. 2, the muzzle end 3 is an “A2” flash suppressor according to the NATO standard. Upstream of the diametrically opposed recesses (here: upstream of the first of two circumferential grooves) 10, as seen in the firing direction, said muzzle end has at least one (here: two diametrically opposed) lateral flattened portion(s) 18 adjoining said recesses. In a manner complementary to the flattened portion(s) 18, optionally one or each of the two legs 8 of the locking element 6 has on one side of the rib 9 (here: on the side of the rib 9 facing away from the extension 12) an inwardly projecting web 19 for bearing against the lateral flattened portion(s) 18. In the mounted position of the device 1, the webs 19 in collaboration with the lateral flattened portions 18 prevent any rotation of the device 1 around the axis A.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve 5 optionally has a radially inwardly directed inner protrusion 20 at its end facing away from the mounting piece 3. The sleeve 5 is additionally supported against the outer circumference of the muzzle end 3 by way of the inner protrusion 20, which in the example shown runs most of the way around, but alternatively may run all the way around, and may be segmented or may even be configured only as a single tooth. The inner protrusion 20 may, if desired, be equipped with one or more resilient pressure pieces 21.

As shown in FIGS. 3a and 4, the extension 12 also optionally has, in a manner similar to the sleeve 5, at least one (here: two) inner protrusions 22, 23 for supporting the extension 12 against the outer circumference of the muzzle end 3. The inner protrusions 22, 23 run all the way around here, but alternatively may likewise be segmented, etc.

In one possible variant, the extension 12 furthermore has a depression 25 in an axial portion 24, which in this example is located between the two inner protrusions 22, 23, said depression extending around the inner circumference of the extension and thus forming a cavity between the extension 12 and the muzzle end 3 when the device 1 is in the mounted position on the muzzle end 3. Said cavity helps to accommodate powder gas that escapes at high pressure from the muzzle end 3, for example from any radial openings 26. To discharge the escaping powder gas radially, the sleeve 5 may have, for example between the inner protrusion 20 and the screwed-on end 16 of the extension 12, at least one pressure relief opening 27, in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2 two or more pressure relief openings distributed about the circumference of the sleeve 5 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3 a).

As shown in FIG. 3a , the mounting piece 11 may have, if desired, a stop surface 28, with which the mounting piece 11 in the mounted position forms an axial stop for the muzzle end 3. The device 1 is thereby fixed on the muzzle end 3 in the direction of the axis A, in addition to the engagement of the ribs 9 in the recesses 10. The stop surface 28 may for example be normal to the axis A or may enclose an angle of for example 45 degrees therewith, that is to say may be in the form of a lateral surface of a truncated cone.

In the examples of FIGS. 5a to 5d , the locking element 6 has at least one (here: two) grips 29 projecting from the horseshoe. In the closed position of the locking element 6, the grips 29 project beyond the outer circumference of the sleeve 5 (FIG. 1) so as to be able to be gripped at any time.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 c and 5 d, the locking element 6 optionally has a groove 30. The groove 30 faces away from the mounting piece 11 as the locking element 6 is inserted into the radial opening 7 of the sleeve 5. For example, the end 31 of a screw 32 (FIG. 2) may engage in the groove 30, which screw, in the embodiments in which the sleeve 5 has the inner protrusion 20, penetrates the latter for example approximately parallel to the axis A. In this way, at least the lower end wall 33 of the groove 30, shown in FIGS. 5c and 5d , forms a shoulder of the locking element 6, with which the locking element 6 in its open position butts against the end 31 of the screw 32 that forms a stop. It shall be understood that the shoulder of the locking element 6 and/or the stop of the sleeve 5 can alternatively be formed by elements other than the groove 30 with the end wall 33 and/or other than the screw 32; for example, a pin 34 which is borne (optionally in a resilient manner) in the sleeve 5 or even in the screw 32 could be provided as the stop.

In the example of FIG. 5c , the groove 30 furthermore has depressions (for example blind holes) 35, 36 in its bottom. The spring loaded pin 34 of the screw 32 interacts with said depressions 35, 36 so that the locking element 6 thus temporarily, that is to say releasably, latches at least in its open position relative to the sleeve 5. In this example, the locking element 6 is also latched in its closed position on account of the second recess 36; the groove 30 is at the same time a guide groove between the open position and the closed position of the locking element 6, in which the screw 32 and/or the pin 34 is guided. Said latching can alternatively also be brought about by other interacting detents and spring elements formed on, in each case, one of the two parts locking element 6 and sleeve 5, as is known to a person skilled in the art.

In a further variant, which is shown in FIGS. 5c and 5d , the locking element 6 has not just one groove 30, but rather a respective groove 30, 37 in each of its legs 8, said grooves being guide grooves for a respective pin (and/or a screw) 32, 34, 38 (FIG. 1). The pins (and/or screws) 32, 34, 38 are arranged on and/or penetrate the inner protrusion 20 of the sleeve 5 approximately parallel to the axis A and may be, for example, threaded pins, spring pins, or ball plungers.

As shown in FIG. 1, the attachment 2 may be a silencer or alternatively for example a blank firing device, a compensator, etc. The attachment 2 is either permanently connected to the mounting piece 11, so that the mounting piece 11 is part of the attachment 2, or it can be connected to the mounting piece 11, for example can be screwed onto a thread 39 of the mounting piece 11 or can be detachably anchored to the mounting piece 11 by a bayonet fitting or in some other way known in the prior art.

If, for example, a flash suppressor as the muzzle end 3 is anchored to the barrel 4, said flash suppressor may for example be screwed on via a thread 40 formed on the barrel 4 and may be secured by a locking nut 41. Alternatively, the muzzle end 3 could for example be formed directly on the barrel 4.

In one embodiment, the optional thread 39 of the mounting piece 11, the external and internal thread 13, 14 respectively on the extension 8 and the sleeve 5, and the optional thread 40 on the barrel 4 all turn in the same direction, so that any torque about the axis A has either an opening effect or a closing effect for all the threads 39, 13, 14, 40. If, due to its design, the attachment (for example the silencer) 2 generates a torque about the axis A when a shot is fired, the threads 39, 13, 14 and 40 can be adapted in terms of their turning direction so that the torque of the attachment 2 acts in the closing direction thereof.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but rather encompasses all variants, modifications and combinations that fall within the scope of the associated claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for mounting an attachment on the muzzle end of a firearm having an axis, which muzzle end has an outer circumference with at least two diametrically opposed recesses comprising a sleeve which can be pushed onto the muzzle end, thereby forming an annular space, and which has an opening normal to the axis, a mounting piece which can be or is connected to the attachment and which has a substantially tubular extension that can be introduced into the annular space between the muzzle end and the sleeve and can be screwed to the sleeve, and a substantially horseshoe-shaped locking element with two legs which locking element is radially displaceable in the opening of the sleeve between a closed position, in which the two legs of the horseshoe each engage in one of the recesses by way of an inwardly directed rib, and an open position, in which the two legs are released from the recesses, wherein, in the closed position of the locking element, end portions of the legs engage beneath an end of the extension when the extension is introduced into the annular space.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the end of the extension is conically tapered and a side of the locking element facing towards the end is of complementary shape.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the end of the extension is graduated in a step-like manner and a side of the locking element facing towards the end is of complementary shape.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein each leg of the locking element is shaped to form an inwardly projecting web on thea side of the rib facing away from the extension, said web serving to bear against a lateral flattened portion of the muzzle end.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve has, at an end facing away from the mounting piece, at least one inner protrusion for supporting the sleeve against the outer circumference of the muzzle end.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the inner protrusion is equipped with at least one resilient pressure piece.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the extension has at least one inner protrusion for supporting the extension against the outer circumference of the muzzle end.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting piece in the mounted position forms an axial stop for the muzzle end.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking element has at least one grip, which in the closed position of the locking element projects beyond the outer circumference of the sleeve.
 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking element in the open position butts with a shoulder against a stop of the sleeve.
 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the sleeve has, at an end facing away from the mounting piece, at least one inner protrusion for supporting the sleeve against the outer circumference of the muzzle end, and wherein the shoulder is formed by the end wall of a groove in a side of the locking element facing away from the mounting piece, and the stop is formed by the end of a screw that penetrates the inner protrusion of the sleeve in a manner parallel to the axis.
 12. The device according to claim 10, wherein the sleeve has, at an end facing away from the mounting piece, at least one inner protrusion for supporting the sleeve against the outer circumference of the muzzle end, and wherein each of the two legs of the locking element is equipped with a respective guide groove, and the inner protrusion of the sleeve is equipped with a respective pin which is guided in the guide groove.
 13. The device according to claim 1, wherein one of the two parts locking element and sleeve has at least one detent and the respective other part has a spring element that interacts therewith, by means of which detent and spring element the locking element can be temporarily latched in the open position relative to the sleeve.
 14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the extension has, in an axial portion, an inner circumferential depression which, in the mounted position, forms a cavity relative to the muzzle end.
 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve has at least one pressure relief opening distributed about a circumference of the sleeve. 